In a move that shows the New York Giants are not willing to sit idly by in the face of adversity, the team has made a significant move to address their kicking situation. While it may have come a couple of days later than desired, the Giants have brought in veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, as confirmed by his agent, Brett Tessler.
Joseph, a seasoned kicker with seven years of experience in the league, most recently spent three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his clutch performances, Joseph holds the NFL record for game-winning kicks in a single season, with an impressive five to his name. Furthermore, he set a Vikings franchise record with a booming 61-yard field goal in 2021.
This isn’t Joseph’s first rodeo, as he has also plied his trade with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was with the Buccaneers that Joseph tasted Super Bowl success in 2020. Following a brief stint with the Green Bay Packers earlier this year, Joseph found himself without a team after being released last month.
The timing of Joseph’s arrival couldn’t be more critical for the Giants, who found themselves in a precarious position during their recent loss to the Washington Commanders. With Graham Gano sidelined due to a groin injury, the Giants were left without a kicker on Sunday. Gano’s hamstring injury on the opening kickoff left the team scrambling for solutions. As a result, the Giants eschewed field goals altogether, opting for two-point conversion attempts after each touchdown, only to be met with failure each time in their 21-18 defeat.
The addition of Joseph brings a sense of stability to the Giants’ kicking game moving forward. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Joseph’s presence should provide a much-needed boost to a team in need of reliable special teams play. As the Giants look to bounce back from their recent setback, Joseph’s arrival may just be the spark they need to turn their fortunes around.
In the words of Giants head coach Joe Judge, “We’re excited to bring in a player of Greg’s caliber. He’s got a strong leg and a history of making big kicks in crucial moments. We believe he can make an immediate impact for us.” With Joseph now in the fold, the Giants are hoping that his addition will help shore up a critical aspect of their game and propel them to greater success in the weeks to come.
